Holyoke Heritage State Park also received money for improvements.
People from Westfield State University take part in the Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Anti-Bullying Back to School road race and walk in Springfield last month.BOSTON — Gov. Deval L. Patrick is providing Westfield State University with $500,000 to study the design of a new science building, in an important move toward constructing the first new academic building on campus in 40 years, a university leader said on Wednesday.
The $500,000 will come from Patrick's plan to issue $1.97 billion in state bonds to finance capital improvements across the state for the fiscal year that started July 1.
Kenneth M. Lemanski, vice president for government at Westfield State University, said: "The $500,000 is the first step towards us erecting a new academic building on campus, the first new academic building in 40 years. We are really excited about it."
The $500,000 study would show how to best use an additional $33 million that Patrick and state legislators approved in a 2008 bond law for helping construct the new science building, Lemanski said. Approval of the $500,000 means the state is committed to releasing the $33 million, he said.
The science building would be 52,000 square feet and four stories. The science building would be located next to Wilson Hall and adjacent to the commuter lot.
Kenneth LemanskiThe project, also including work on Wilson Hall , is expected to cost $47.8 million, he added. Westfield State University would have to pay for the money above the $33 million, by borrowing or raising money from the private sector, he said.
The existing labs in Wilson Hall would be removed and the space converted to classrooms.
The $500,000 study would also look at possible renovations to other buildings, Lemanski said.
A new 400-bed residence hall for the state university is currently being built next to the Ely Library & Campus Center. That project costs $50 million and is being financed by the Massachusetts State College Building Authority.
In a separate move, as part of his long term capital plan, Patrick said he also approved $1.75 million for a four-year initiative to revitalize the state's so-called Heritage Parks, primarily located in urban areas, that provide exhibits and historic information about communities where they are based.
Alexandra Zaroulis, a fiscal spokeswoman for Patrick, said Holyoke Heritage State Park will receive money for repairs, upgrades to audio visual components and enhancements to interpretive materials.
A visitor center at the park has exhibits about paper manufacturing and Holyoke's industrial history, as well as a slide show on the city's blend of cultures and people, according to the park's web page. Special programs are offered year-round. The Children's Museum, the restored antique Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the Volleyball Hall of Fame are also located within the park.